A lorry rammed into a group of Israeli soldiers as they got off a bus in Jerusalem, killing at least four people and injuring many more.

Pictures broadcast on Israeli TV channels show the truck travelling at pace, veering off the road and into a crowd of people at the Armon Hanatziv promenade, overlooking the walled Old City of Jerusalem.

The footage then shows the vehicle backing up before the driver - who the Israeli government said was a Palestinian man - was shot dead.

A witness, Leah Schreiber, said: "There was no sense in that reverse.

"He drove backward to crush more people. That was really clear."

Israeli television stations said at least four people had been killed and another 15 wounded.

Police said that the four who died - three women and a man - were in their 20s.

One of the injured is said to be in a serious condition.

Image:Security forces deployed to the scene of the attack at the Armon Hanatziv promenade

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said in a statement: "We know the identity of the attacker. According to all the signs, he is a supporter of Islamic State.

"We have sealed off Jabel Mukabar, the neighbourhood from where he came, and we are carrying out other actions which I will not detail."

Since last year, Palestinian attackers have killed 36 Israelis and two visiting Americans, in a series of mostly stabbing attacks.

During that time, 229 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.

Israel says most of the Palestinians killed were attackers while the rest died in clashes.

Israel says the violence is driven by Palestinian incitement, while Palestinians say it is the result of nearly 50 years of Israeli occupation.

Image:Bullet holes seen on the lorry's windscreen

The Palestinian Hamas movement, an Islamic militant group that rules Gaza and has killed hundreds of Israelis in attacks over the years, praised the assault but stopped short of taking responsibility.

Hamas spokesman Abdul-Latif Qanou called it a "heroic" act and encouraged other Palestinians to do the same and "escalate the resistance".

He said the attack proved the wave of Palestinian violence had not ended, despite a recent lull.

He said: "It may be quiet, it may linger, but it will never end."

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat called on residents to be wary but carry on with their everyday life.